This new version of "Winterborn" was inspired by the incredible macro-photography of Alexey Kljatov. I used one of background ice crystals from the 2012 revision which all modelled using Incendia's Snowflake modeler. This particular flake was created when I was showing my son Jason how to do back when he was 6 years old (the shading is the hard part). I created the threads in Xfrog and rendered the whole using Lightwave 11.

Member Comments

Charles

"Amazing!!!"

One of my all time favorites!

Sun March 8, 2015 at 4:03 am

Michelle

"Exquisite"

10/10 in my book. I LOVE snow, living in the Southwest we don't get much. This one took my breath away though. Instant favorite. Thank you so much for all of your hard work.

Thu January 15, 2015 at 4:02 pm

Jacques

"Love it"

I wouldn't change anything. I hope to see a 1920x1080 version.

Thu January 15, 2015 at 11:33 am

Anthony

"Love it! 10"

I love everything about this picture. Literally don't think it can be improved on.

Thu January 15, 2015 at 7:39 am

Mangoman

"Hexagonal; Well, yeah."

Well, this one's another ten, Mr. Bliss. I didn't really wanna see it, seeing as how in West Michigan, we've had a crapload of snow the past two weeks. A green Xmas, then...DUMP! But your picture is beautiful, sir. It gives us pause... how such a delicate thing, so pretty and practically weightless, can, when they gather in hordes of trillions of trillions, bring mankind to a standstill by clogging roads, downing power lines, shutting people in, etc. So, it's always nice to see the positive side of that snowflake. Thank you once again, sir.

Wed January 14, 2015 at 10:56 pm

Mangoman

"Hexagonal; Well, yeah."

Well, this one's another ten, Mr. Bliss. I didn't really wanna see it, seeing as how in West Michigan, we've had a crapload of snow the past two weeks. A green Xmas, then...DUMP! But your picture is beautiful, sir. It gives us pause... how such a delicate thing, so pretty and practically weightless, can, when they gather in hordes in trillions of trillions, bring mankind to a standstill by clogging roads, downing power lines, shutting people in, etc. So, it's always nice to see the positive side of that snowflake. Thank you once again, sir.

Wed January 14, 2015 at 10:55 pm

Big Dave

"Love it"

It is really nice but the 3200x1200 dual 4:3 download is bad. It is like a thumbnail size. Can't wait to see it full-size dual screen.

Wed January 14, 2015 at 1:55 pm

Tyler

"Like it but"

I liked the FB render much more. That is where I first saw it. The FB version had a cylinder shaped flake and didn't have the whispy background. The flake looked like an ankh and was very unique.

Mon January 12, 2015 at 12:14 pm

RadghKris

"My wallpaper at the moment"

I love this design. Your work is always so detailed. Each little pixel so intricately placed. Well done!

Sun January 11, 2015 at 12:34 pm

Laura

"7"

Love the flake, not so sure about the background. Still a lovely update.

Sun January 11, 2015 at 12:09 pm

Toscano

"I like it a lot!"

This is a very pleasant way to start the new year!

...no 1440 x 1280 (Nexus 7) though?

Sun January 11, 2015 at 10:30 am

Audrey

"Amazing!"

So happy you were inspired by the macro-photography of Alexey Kljatov. The first time I saw his images I was in awe! Now it's like the best of both worlds in your wallpaper! Thank you so much, Ryan.

Sat January 10, 2015 at 10:39 pm

Petah

"AWESOME"

I cannot wait for the multiscreen of this one. :)

Sat January 10, 2015 at 9:13 pm

Brian J.

"9/10"

Stunning image Ryan. Superb work yet again. Only change I'd like to see is perhaps one or two more flakes in the background. And the multimonitor version. :-)